Courses
Geography (GEO) – NCEA Level 1
Minimum Entry Standard: None
“Broad knowledge of Geography is an essential part of a full education. This is particularly true at a time when the lives of nearly all of our citizens are deeply affected by what happens throughout the world.” This quote from the United States National Assessment Governing Board explains why the analytical skills and global knowledge developed in Geography are important to students across the increasingly interconnected world. At Year 11, students will conduct fieldwork relating to sustainability and climate research, building their own weather station in the process. They will examine population and natural hazard issues, develop their mapping skills, study local geographic issues and learn how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
Progression to NCEA Level 2: All students will be considered for Geography at Level 2. However, an interest in the topics studied and Achievement in English would be of benefit.
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 1 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.
History (HIS) – NCEA Level 1
Minimum Entry Standard: A satisfactory level of achievement in Year 10 Social Studies.
The Year 11 History course is designed to equip students with research and writing skills that can be utilised across all senior subjects. While studying themes such as the Origins of World War Two and Our Search for Security during the Cold War, History students will learn how past events are connected to our lives today, and how this understanding can help guide our decision making in the present. These critical thinking skills can be applied to many fields of future study as almost all university courses assess students with a combination of research projects, an essay, reports and visual presentations.
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
Progression to NCEA Level 2: All students will be considered for History at Level 2. However, a background in English and an interest in the topics to be studied would be of benefit.
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 1 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.
Geography (GEO) - NCEA Level 2
Minimum Entry Standard: All students will be considered for Geography at Level 2. However, an interest in the topics studied and Achievement in English would be of benefit.
National Geographic describes Geography education as helping to build geo-literacy, “an essential set of skills for 21st century citizens that enables people to make critical decisions.” The Year 12 Geography course builds on the skills covered at Level 1 by examining natural landscapes in New Zealand, studying a contemporary New Zealand issue and learning about global issues. Geographic Information Systems and general mapping and fieldwork skills will be extended, as will writing skills through learning how to structure and write effective analytical reports. Students who do well at Geography have often gone on to study related subjects such as Geology, Environmental Science, Anthropology and Sociology, International Relations, Journalism and Geographic Information Science.
Note: Students will be required to attend a 3 day field school at Tongariro National Park. Students will choose to sit either AS2.1 or AS2.3 in the final exam.
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
Progression to NCEA Level 3: To study Geography at Level 3 it is advisable to have achieved 17 credits in Level 2 Geography and gain at least Achievement in AS 2.4 and at least 15 credits of Level 2 English. Entry to Level 3 can also be achieved through discussion with HOD.
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 2 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.
History (HIS) - NCEA Level 2
Minimum Entry Standard: 16 credits in either Level 1 History or Level 1 English. Entry may also be through consultation with the class teacher and Head of Department.
Year 12 History is a popular choice for students who enjoy learning about World History and wish to further develop their research and writing skills. Topics covered include the American Revolution, Nazi Germany and New Zealand's Role in World War One, with an emphasis on learning about the social, economic and political impacts of colonialism and imperialism. Learning to prepare an effective essay and report is a skill that transfers well to almost all fields of university study. Students for whom History is a favourite subject have typically gone on to study Law, Politics, International Relations, Journalism, Economics or Commerce.
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
Progression to NCEA Level 3: To study History at Level 3 it is advisable to have achieved 16 credits in either Level 2 History, English, Media Studies or Classics. Entry may also be achieved by discussing your interest with the HOD/TIC of the course.
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 2 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.
Geography (GEO) - NCEA Level 3
Minimum Entry Standard: To study Geography at Level 3 it is advisable to have achieved 17 credits in Level 2 Geography and gain at least Achievement in AS 2.4 and at least 15 credits of Level 2 English. Entry to Level 3 can also be achieved through discussion with HOD.
The Year 13 Geography course looks to make links between the topics explored and studied previously and future potential career choices. Students study the processes at work in the local environment and conduct Environmental Science Fieldwork. They continue to expand their mapping and GIS skills and relate these to local planning issues. Global geographic issues are examined and the tourism sector and its importance to New Zealand is analysed. As global and local pressure on resources continues to increase, Geography graduates are increasingly in demand in such occupations as Town Planners, Resource Management Consultants, Earth and Social Scientists, GIS Analysts and Surveyors.
Note: Students may be required to attend a 3 day field trip to Rotorua (to be confirmed).
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 3 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.
History (HIS) - NCEA Level 3
Minimum Entry Standard: 16 credits in Level 2 History, English, Media Studies or Classics. Entry may also be achieved by discussing your interest with the HOD/TIC of the course.
Year 13 History expands on many of the ideas introduced at Year 12, with an emphasis on encouraging students towards independent learning so that they are better prepared for university study. Pre-Treaty New Zealand History is covered as a precursor to first year Law, while our study of The First Crusade provides an interesting background to the current conflict in the Middle East. In Term 3 History students are able to select their own topic which they study independently with the guidance and support of their teacher. Recent graduates from History at HIBS have gone on to study a range of subjects such as Law, Politics, International Relations, Journalism, Economics or Commerce.
Course Content: refer to the senior curriculum handbook to review the achievement standards offered in this course
FAQ:
Please refer to the Level 3 pamphlet at the bottom of the page for more information.